How to neutralize negative audience members

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In this video, you'll learn how to handle negative interactions with your audience. Applying a five-step process will help you to manage your tone, guide the direction of your discussion, and keep your audience on track, feeling positive and mutually satisfied.

- Now that you've moved through the two step process,…which is, number one, knowing your audience…and why they're listening to you,…and two, figuring out their concerns,…then you may have already uncovered potential issues…that could surface.…If and when they do, the goal is to not allow one,…two, or even a few participants to disrupt the flow…and value of your presentation and quite possibly…frustrate the rest of your audience members as well.…You have to be ready to neutralize the negative.…

Here are five proven steps that you can apply…in different meeting situations.…Let's start at the top.…Step number one.…Introduce any potential issues yourself…in the context of your presentation.…Because you've studied your audience in advance,…you already know what may be sensitive topics.…You can present these critical issues in a way…that diffuses the situation rather…than causes greater commotion.…As a result, when you willingly…address these sensitive topics by weaving them…into the overall presentation, you'll be consciously…

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Released

10/16/2016

Learn how to create a better rapport with your audience and handle negative interactions with unruly audience members. PR expert Deirdre Breakenridge helps you recognize the personality "signals" of hecklers in advance and what to do when you are interrupted. She also helps you identify potential champions and enlist their support before you ever step foot on stage. Whether you are speaking to a large or small audience, Deirdre provides tips for keeping your composure and maintaining focus, from the moment you start speaking to answering difficult questions during Q&A.

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